National Days in February includes Presidents’ Day, National Freedom Day, World Cancer Day, Rare Disease Day, Galentine’s Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, National Pizza Day, Valentine’s Day, World Nutella Day, and National Margarita Day.
February stands out as a focal point for historic civil rights reflection and vital public health education.
Anchored by Black History Month, the calendar honors the foundational leadership, culture, and achievements of African Americans through milestones that trace from the legacy of the abolitionist movement on National Freedom Day to tributes for Abraham Lincoln and George Washington on Presidents’ Day.
Simultaneously, healthcare organizations rally around life-saving preventative advocacy throughout American Heart Month, driving awareness for cardiovascular wellness via National Wear Red Day while uniting global health efforts on World Cancer Day and Rare Disease Day.
Alongside its reflective civic moments, February carries a distinctive warmth centered around affection, personal connection, and mid-winter comfort foods.
The mid-month stretch is defined by expressions of care, spanning from romantic traditions on Valentine’s Day to communal celebrations of friendship on Galentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Culinary observances mirror this cozy, celebratory atmosphere, offering high-engagement occasions like National Pizza Day, World Nutella Day, and National Margarita Day alongside warming comfort classics like National Clam Chowder Day.
Blending historical significance with lighthearted seasonal fun, February offers a brief but powerful bridge between the deep chill of winter and the earliest promises of spring.
February is the shortest month and one of the most densely observed.
Black History Month is routinely dated to a 1976 presidential proclamation.
Ford issued a Message, not a proclamation, and the federal designation came ten years later with an act of Congress.
American Heart Month is the older of the two by more than a decade, and its founding document is precisely dated.
Table of Contents
National Days in February 2027
Complete February National Days Calendar
| Date | National & International Days Observed |
| February 1 | National Freedom Day, National Dark Chocolate Day, National Baked Alaska Day, National Get Up Day, Spunky Old Broads Day, Car Insurance Day |
| February 2 | Groundhog Day, World Wetlands Day, National Tater Tot Day, National Heavenly Hash Day, Sled Dog Day |
| February 3 | National Carrot Cake Day, National Wear Red Day (first Friday), National The Day the Music Died Day, National Golden Retriever Day, Elmo’s Birthday |
| February 4 | World Cancer Day, National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, National Homemade Soup Day, National Stuffed Mushroom Day, Transit Equity Day |
| February 5 | World Nutella Day, National Weatherperson’s Day, World Read Aloud Day (varies), Western Monarch Day |
| February 6 | National Frozen Yogurt Day, Pay a Compliment Day, National Chopsticks Day, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation |
| February 7 | National Send a Card to a Friend Day, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, Rose Day, Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbors Day |
| February 8 | National Boy Scouts Day, National Opera Day, National Kite Flying Day, Laugh and Get Rich Day, Propose Day |
| February 9 | National Pizza Day, National Bagel and Lox Day, National Toothache Day, Chocolate Day |
| February 10 | World Pulses Day, National Umbrella Day, National Flannel Day, Teddy Day |
| February 11 | International Day of Women and Girls in Science, National Make a Friend Day, National Peppermint Patty Day, National White Shirt Day, Promise Day |
| February 12 | Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, International Darwin Day, National Plum Pudding Day, Hug Day, Georgia Day |
| February 13 | Galentine’s Day, World Radio Day, National Tortellini Day, National Cheddar Day, Kiss Day |
| February 14 | Valentine’s Day, National Donor Day, National Ferris Wheel Day, Library Lovers’ Day, International Book Giving Day |
| February 15 | National Flag of Canada Day, Singles Awareness Day (SAD), National Gumdrop Day, World Hippo Day, International Childhood Cancer Day |
| February 16 | National Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day, Tim Tam Day, Innovation Day |
| February 17 | Random Acts of Kindness Day, National Cabbage Day, National Cafe Au Lait Day, World Human Spirit Day |
| February 18 | National Drink Wine Day, National Battery Day, National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day, Pluto Discovery Day |
| February 19 | Presidents’ Day (third Monday), National Lash Day, National Chocolate Mint Day, International Tug-of-War Day |
| February 20 | World Day of Social Justice, National Love Your Pet Day, National Cherry Pie Day, National Muffin Day, Clean Out Your Bookcase Day |
| February 21 | International Mother Language Day, National Sticky Bun Day, National Grain-Free Day, Card Reading Day |
| February 22 | George Washington’s Birthday, National Margarita Day, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day, World Thinking Day, Be Humble Day |
| February 23 | World Understanding and Peace Day, National Banana Bread Day, National Tootsie Roll Day, National Tile Day, International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day |
| February 24 | National Tortilla Chip Day, World Bartender Day, National Skip the Straw Day (fourth Friday), World Sword Swallowers Day |
| February 25 | National Clam Chowder Day, National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, Let’s Eat Right Day, Quiet Day |
| February 26 | National Pistachio Day, Tell a Fairy Tale Day, National Personal Chef Day, Levi Strauss Day, Carnival Day |
| February 27 | World NGO Day, National Strawberry Day, National Kahlua Day, National Polar Bear Day, No Brainer Day |
| February 28 | National Tooth Fairy Day, National Chocolate Soufflé Day, National Floral Design Day, Public Sleeping Day |
| February 29 | Leap Day (every four years), Rare Disease Day (on leap years; celebrated Feb 28 on non-leap years), Bachelors Day |
February 2027 is unusually crowded at its midpoint. Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl LXI and the first Sunday of Lent all fall on Sunday, February 14, with the federal holiday the following morning.
Washington’s Birthday is the only federal holiday in February. Note that the holiday can never fall on Washington’s actual birthday of February 22, because the third Monday in February falls no later than February 21.
February 1: National Freedom Day / National Dark Chocolate Day
Commemorates President Abraham Lincoln signing the joint congressional resolution proposing the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery in 1865. For culinary enthusiasts, it also celebrates rich, antioxidant-packed dark chocolate.
February 2: Groundhog Day / World Wetlands Day
A folk tradition centered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where a groundhog’s shadow supposedly predicts the arrival of spring. Globally, the Ramsar Convention marks World Wetlands Day to protect vital marsh and wetland ecosystems.
February 3: National Carrot Cake Day / National Wear Red Day (First Friday)
Celebrates the spiced dessert layered with cream cheese frosting, popularized during WWII sugar rationing. The American Heart Association also promotes wearing red to raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular disease.
February 4: World Cancer Day / National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
Organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to drive global cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable care. Concurrently, communities express gratitude to local postal workers delivering mail in winter conditions.
February 5: World Nutella Day / National Weatherperson’s Day
Celebrates the popular hazelnut-cocoa spread created by Ferrero. It also marks the birth of John Jeffries in 1744, one of America’s first weather observers, honoring meteorologists and climate forecasters.
February 6: National Frozen Yogurt Day / Pay a Compliment Day
Celebrates the tangy, probiotic-rich alternative to traditional ice cream, popular for self-serve topping bars. It also encourages verbal positivity and spreading kindness through intentional compliments.
February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day / Rose Day
Encourages handwritten notes and personal connection via snail mail. It also marks the kickoff of Valentine’s week traditions, with florists highlighting red and pink roses.
February 8: National Boy Scouts Day / National Opera Day
Marks the 1910 founding of the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America), celebrating outdoor skills, leadership, and community service. Music lovers also honor the history of operatic stage performance.
February 9: National Pizza Day / National Bagel and Lox Day
One of the most popular digital food holidays, celebrating classic pizza styles from Neapolitan to New York slices. It also pairs with the traditional Jewish-American breakfast of bagels, cured lox, and cream cheese.
February 10: World Pulses Day / National Umbrella Day
A United Nations observance highlighting dried beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas as sustainable, protein-rich crops for global food security. It also honors the essential rain gear keeping pedestrians dry.
February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science / National Make a Friend Day
Adopted by the United Nations to promote full and equal access to and participation in STEM fields for women and girls. Social advocates also encourage people to step outside their comfort zones to forge new friendships.
February 12: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday / International Darwin Day
Honors the 16th U.S. President on his birth date in 1809, recognizing his leadership during the Civil War. Globally, science institutions celebrate Charles Darwin’s birth date and the foundational theory of evolution.
February 13: Galentine’s Day / World Radio Day
Popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation, this unofficial holiday celebrates female friendship and sisterhood. Concurrently, UNESCO celebrates the enduring, accessible power of radio broadcasting.
February 14: Valentine’s Day / National Donor Day
A major global celebration of romantic love, affection, and greeting cards rooted in ancient Roman and Christian traditions. Concurrently, healthcare networks urge life-saving organ, tissue, and blood donations.
February 15: National Flag of Canada Day / Singles Awareness Day (SAD)
Commemorates the 1965 debut of Canada’s modern red-and-white Maple Leaf flag on Parliament Hill. It also serves as a lighthearted celebration for single individuals embracing independence.
February 16: National Do a Grouch a Favor Day / National Almond Day
A humorous day inspiring people to show patience and kindness to grumpy coworkers or neighbors. Food producers also highlight the heart-healthy nutrition and culinary uses of almonds.
February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Organized by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to encourage spontaneous, selfless generosity—from paying for someone’s coffee to leaving encouraging notes for strangers.
February 18: National Drink Wine Day / National Battery Day
Celebrates viticulture and the social enjoyment of wine across major varieties. Concurrently, tech and industrial sectors spotlight electrochemical energy storage on Alessandro Volta’s birth date.
February 19: Presidents’ Day (Third Monday) / National Lash Day
A federal holiday originally honoring George Washington’s birthday, now widely celebrating all U.S. presidents. Beauty and cosmetics brands also highlight eyelash care, extensions, and mascara.
February 20: World Day of Social Justice / National Love Your Pet Day
Proclaimed by the United Nations to tackle poverty, exclusion, and unemployment while advocating for fair labor. At home, pet owners pamper dogs, cats, and exotic animals with extra affection and treats.
February 21: International Mother Language Day / National Sticky Bun Day
Established by UNESCO to promote linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of endangered indigenous mother tongues. Bakery counters also showcase sweet, caramel-glazed cinnamon rolls.
February 22: George Washington’s Birthday / National Margarita Day
Honors the first U.S. President on his actual birthday in 1732. Concurrently, restaurants and cocktail enthusiasts celebrate the classic tequila, lime juice, and triple-sec beverage.
February 23: World Understanding and Peace Day / National Banana Bread Day
Marks the 1905 founding of Rotary International, advocating for humanitarian goodwill and cross-border peace. Home bakers also celebrate utilizing overripe bananas for classic quick bread.
February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day / World Bartender Day
Honors the triangular maize snack that anchors salsa, guacamole, and loaded nachos. Globally, hospitality sectors honor the craftsmanship and customer care of professional bartenders.
February 25: National Clam Chowder Day / Let’s Eat Right Day
Celebrates the regional American comfort soups, notably creamy New England style and tomato-based Manhattan style. Nutritionists also promote balanced portion sizes and nutrient-dense seasonal eating.
February 26: National Pistachio Day / Tell a Fairy Tale Day
Highlights the popular green tree nut prized in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and American snack markets. Libraries and classrooms also revisit classic oral storytelling, folk fables, and fairy tales.
February 27: World NGO Day / National Strawberry Day
Recognizes the vital social impact of non-governmental and non-profit organizations delivering grassroots aid globally. Fruit growers also anticipate springtime with early strawberry promotions.
February 28: National Tooth Fairy Day / National Chocolate Soufflé Day
Celebrates the childhood folklore tradition encouraging pediatric dental hygiene. Fine dining spots and pastry chefs also honor the delicate, airy baked chocolate dessert.
February 29: Leap Day / Rare Disease Day (On Leap Years)
An astronomical calendar correction occurring every four years to keep the Gregorian calendar aligned with Earth’s orbit around the sun. Rare Disease Day is appropriately celebrated on this rarest date to spotlight overlooked medical conditions.
Month-Long February Observances
| Observance | Founding Organization / Originator | Year Established | Context & Purpose |
| Black History Month | Dr. Carter G. Woodson (ASALH) / Pres. Gerald Ford | 1976 (federal) | Expanded from Negro History Week (1926) to celebrate the achievements, culture, and civil rights contributions of African Americans. |
| American Heart Month | President Lyndon B. Johnson / AHA | 1964 | Raises awareness about cardiovascular disease, encouraging heart-healthy diets, exercise, and blood pressure monitoring. |
| National Children’s Dental Health Month | American Dental Association (ADA) | 1949 | Promotes pediatric oral hygiene habits, fluoride awareness, and routine dental visits for children and teens. |
| National Cancer Prevention Month | American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) | ~1990s | Focuses public health messaging on lifestyle habits—such as diet, sunscreen, and smoking cessation—that reduce cancer risk. |
| National Bird Feeding Month | U.S. Congress (Proclamation) | 1994 | Urges backyard birders to provide wild birds with clean water and seeds during harsh, food-scarce winter freezes. |
| Library Lovers’ Month | Library associations and advocates | ~1990s | Celebrates the vital public role of libraries as centers for equal information access, digital literacy, and community resources. |
Black History Month: the 1976 date
The sequence matters and almost every calendar compresses it.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1926 | Carter G. Woodson establishes Negro History Week |
| 1975 | President Ford issues a Message on the Observance of Black History Week |
| 1976 | ASALH expands the week to a month. Ford issues a Message — not a proclamation — acknowledging it |
| 1986 | Congress passes Public Law 99-244, designating February 1986 and directing the President to proclaim it |
| 1996 | Clinton issues Proclamation 6863. Annual presidential proclamations from this point |
So the observance is older than the designation, the designation came from Congress rather than the White House, and the annual proclamations are more recent than either (Library of Congress).
Ford’s 1976 message asked Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” (Ford Presidential Library).
American Heart Month has an exact founding date
Lyndon Johnson issued Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963, designating February 1964 and every February after it. The proclamation noted that heart and circulatory disease was responsible for over half of annual American deaths (The Cardiology Advisor).
That makes American Heart Month the oldest continuously proclaimed awareness month in this category — twenty-two years older than the statutory designation of Black History Month.
Frequently asked questions
Who created Black History Month?
Carter G. Woodson created the precursor, Negro History Week, in 1926. ASALH expanded it to a month in 1976. The federal designation came from Congress in 1986 with Public Law 99-244. President Ford issued a Message in 1976 acknowledging the observance, which is frequently but incorrectly described as a proclamation.
When did American Heart Month start?
February 1964, under Proclamation 3566, issued by President Johnson on December 30, 1963. It is the oldest continuously proclaimed awareness month covered on this site.
What federal holidays are in February?
One: Washington’s Birthday, on Monday, February 15, 2027. Commonly called Presidents Day, though that name does not appear in 5 U.S.C. 6103. Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 is a state holiday in several states with no federal status.
